wade-hamill
1 week ago
wade-hamill
2 weeks ago
Frustrated with slow strength gains - any advice?
Hey everyone, Wade here. I've been consistently following a workout routine from this portal for about 2 years now, though I'll admit I skip some parts sometimes (we're all human, right?). I've made some good progress on certain exercises. For example, I went from barely being able to do a pull-up to now doing 3 sets of 8. My back muscles have definitely grown - I'm having trouble finding shirts that fit well without being too tight across my upper back and chest. But here's the frustrating part - I feel like I've plateaued. I've been stuck at 3x8 for pull-ups and dips for a while now. I'm eating plenty of protein (around 200g per day), sleeping well, and pushing myself hard 3 times a week. But I'm just not seeing consistent strength gains anymore. Does anyone have advice on how to break through this plateau? I'm doing everything "right" as far as I can tell, but I can't seem to add more reps or weight. Is this normal? How do you all approach progressive overload when you hit a wall like this? Any tips would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance!wade-hamill
1 month ago
How to take cymbiotika D3 K2 CoQ10?
wade-hamill
1 month ago
What happens to your body when you start taking fish oil?
wade-hamill
1 month ago
Can I skip hinge exercises if I'm already doing pistol squats?
Hey everyone, Wade here. I'm 52 and have been doing bodyweight fitness for about 2 years now. I started with some random YouTube videos but have been following a more structured routine for the past 6 months or so. I work out 3-4 times a week and it's become a big part of my wellness journey. I've made good progress on most exercises, especially pistol squats. I can do 3 sets of 8 reps per leg with good form and depth. However, I'm really struggling with the hinge progression (currently doing banded Nordic curls). To be honest, I absolutely hate this exercise and it's making me dread my workouts. So my question is: do I really need to do hinge exercises if I'm already doing pistol squats? I know strong legs are important as we age, but the Nordic curls are seriously impacting my motivation. If they are necessary, how do you all push through exercises you dislike? Any tips for overcoming this mental block would be greatly appreciated!wade-hamill
1 month ago
Stress eating and weight gain during exams
Hey everyone, I've been struggling with stress eating and weight gain over the past few months as I prepare for my final exams. The pressure is really getting to me and I find myself snacking more than usual. Does anyone have tips for managing exam stress in healthier ways? I'd love to hear what works for you to stay balanced during intense study periods. Thanks in advance for any advice!wade-hamill
1 month ago
New empty nester dad struggling with son moving away
I'm a 55-year-old divorced dad and my son (23M) is moving out to live with his girlfriend of 3 years in a city 3 hours away. We've lived together just the two of us for the past 10 years since the divorce. I'm really struggling with him leaving. I cry often, tell him how much I'll miss him, and have suggested he could stay here part-time. I know I'm probably making it harder on him, but I can't help feeling emotional about it. I'm still working full-time and have some friends, but I'm worried about being alone. My other child rarely speaks to me due to personal issues. Any advice for coping with becoming an empty nester? I want to be supportive of my son's independence but I'm having a hard time letting go.wade-hamill
1 month ago
Is Cymbiotika FDA approved?
wade-hamill
2 months ago
Breathing Technique for Better Yoga Balance Poses
Hey wellness community! I recently discovered a breathing pattern that has really improved my stability in challenging yoga balance poses like Tree Pose and Warrior III. It's different from the typical 'breathe deeply and steadily' advice. This technique involves controlled exhales during both entering and holding the pose, and it's been a game-changer for maintaining balance. Here's how it works: Technique: • Starting Position: Take a deep belly breath to center yourself. • Entering Pose (2-3s): Slow exhale (like a gentle hiss), engage core and glutes. • Hold Pose: Quick nasal inhale if needed — keep core engaged. • Maintaining Pose (choose based on goal): Endurance Version: Steady, controlled breathing + smooth exhales for stability. Challenge Version: Longer holds with slow, consistent exhales for increased difficulty. • Release: Deep breath, return to starting position. Why It Works: Exhaling during both the transition and hold phases maintains core engagement and prevents wobbling — no breath-holding or losing focus at the peak of the pose. I'm interested to hear if anyone else uses a similar breathing technique for yoga or other balance-focused exercises?wade-hamill
2 months ago
Beginner seeking advice: Focus on basics or advanced skills for calisthenics?
Hey everyone, Wade here. I'm new to calisthenics and looking for some guidance. Should I concentrate on mastering the fundamentals before attempting more advanced moves? I've seen people doing L-sits and frog stands online, and I'm wondering if I should be working towards those. My current routine includes modified dips (using a bench), push-ups, planks (though I can only hold for about 35 seconds), squats, lunges, and inverted rows since I can't do pull-ups yet. Are there other exercises I should incorporate? Also, I'm unsure about proper warm-up routines. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance for your help in kickstarting my calisthenics journey!wade-hamill
2 months ago
Best ways to block out noise while sleeping on my side?
As someone who practices mindfulness and meditation, I'm very attuned to sounds around me. Unfortunately, my apartment building has thin walls and noisy neighbors, which disrupts my sleep. I use noise-cancelling headphones during the day, but I can't wear them to bed since I'm a side sleeper. Does anyone know of comfortable earbuds or other solutions that would let me listen to soothing sounds and block external noise while sleeping on my side? I've tried silicone earplugs but they don't fully isolate me from noise. I'm looking for something that will create a peaceful environment for restorative sleep. Any suggestions would be much appreciated!wade-hamill
2 months ago